The population density is too high, normally at this point one tribe would split and they would go into different directions. The world doesn't work that way anymore and our social conditioning is far too weak to go up against nature; that's why we have government redirecting resources and if that ain't efficient enough, vote for a better one or go medieval on it's arse.

silversongwriterwrote:There's nothing wrong with having a code of morality or religion or holding onto values, unless you're a radical.

Saying that makes you a hypocrite.

Anyway, you assume self interest is at the core of everything. If self interest is at the core then what does it really matter whether or not we do things for ourselves or others? They're both just a means to that end of self interest.

What are "core values"?Are "core values" like "common knowledge" a symptom of the hopelessly culture bound. Selfless or selfish?A society can be selfish by using more resources than it needs without an individuals consent.In fact the need for consent could be construed as a bias translation favoring the Christian self determination or choice sacrificing fate.

megahobbitwrote:
Rands philosophy was against all such things. If you think it needs to be modernised and softened know remember she wrote her books in the 50s.

At times it's called for and depending on situations can be a good thing. So long as it's in small doses I don't see why one shouldn't exhibit these behaviors.

I can throw out two examples to clarify:

Someone who is a "yes" person (always says yes, too nice for their own good) tends to get walked all over because they're too busy catering to everyone elses needs over their own. Being a little selfish from time to time would be a good thing to enjoy yourself.

Someone who is in a relationship might get jealous of some attention their significant other is getting in a certain situation. This can cause them to get protective and can be seen as caring. (obviously it isn't always like this 100% of the time)

A little bit is a okay as long as you don't go too crazy. Less is more as they say.

Selfishness is a basic human instinct really. It's a natural survival instinct to look out for yourself before others. Not to mention it's hard to be generous when being kind to people doesn't seem to get you anywhere these days.

silversongwriterwrote:There's nothing wrong with having a code of morality or religion or holding onto values, unless you're a radical.

Saying that makes you a hypocrite.

Anyway, you assume self interest is at the core of everything. If self interest is at the core then what does it really matter whether or not we do things for ourselves or others? They're both just a means to that end of self interest.

Yea... it is serving self interests. However, if helping others were part of peoples self-interests, then the world would be a much better place. To truly have than ingrained within you can make you a joyful giver, and not just someone who gives out of the sake of societal expectations of pressure.

Personally I don't see selfishness or greed as necessarily bad traits, it would be how you go about accumulating your wealth. For example my nickname at work is dinero because I work side jobs, internet jobs, and my main job to make money but all my work is legal."can't stand people who will break the law for any reason"
I almost never buy new games, cook my own meals" so much cheaper than doing take out everyday", don't pay for cable "with dishnetwork I was paying about a 100 month but since I have so little time to myself I just pay for crunchyroll, hulu and netflix 25 a month.
As far as giving I really don't unless its someone I care about and there living their life in a responsible way.
As far as economic ties I believe a little greed is good for competition and progress in the private sector.

I believe this line from a poem best describes how I feel about the subject. After talking to the guy who wrote it I was more open about being selfish.

Greed
Is it a sin?
Some say so.
It's amassing,
Large quantities,
Of money and wealth.
I'd call that
Ambition.

Envy
Is it a sin?
Some say so.
It's wanting,
What you see
Others owning.
I'd call that
Endevouring.

Greed or envy is not necessarily bad, but it's what you are willing to do to attain those things like wealth and what others have. And how does that desire affect your life. For most people it's mostly a negative effect.

I think we all need to be selfish to a degree to get what we want and its impossible to be completely altruistic. Shinichi and Migi dropped knowledge on this lol

Looking down on people goes a long way. I find that most people want you to show them some contempt. They would slowly try to please you or catch your attention in any way they can... Although, mostly they'd try and not look too obvious about it. You'll find some would pretend to hate you but deep down they really want your approval. At your time of choosing, you may want to exploit this power.